Shingles are a popular type of roofing material. They give your roof an attractive appearance due to the way they overlap when applied. While asphalt shingles are the most common, shingles are made in other materials as well. Here are four types of roof shingles for you to consider.

1. Metal Shingles

Metal roofing comes in panels and shingles. These shingles offer the same advantages as other types of metal roofing, such as durability and longevity. Metal roof shingles also come in a variety of solid colors, so your roof can complement your exterior paint and architecture perfectly.

Metal shingles are more resistant to wind, animals, and hail damage. That means you'll pay for fewer repairs over the years. The downside is that metal roof shingles are more expensive than the more common asphalt shingles.

2. Composite Shingles

Composite shingles are made from recycled materials like plastic or rubber. When they're made, they're shaped to look like wood shakes or slate tiles. The shingles come in different colors and have grain lines to make them look authentic. These roof shingles last for decades since they are so durable. They have the highest impact rating, which makes them ideal for areas with storms and hail.

These roof shingles are also on the expensive side when compared to other types of shingles. However, they are less expensive than slate, and lighter too, so if you like a slate roof, you might prefer composite shingles since they're lighter and more affordable.

3. Asphalt Shingles

If you're like many homeowners, you'll select asphalt shingles based on price alone. These roof shingles are the most affordable, and they can last for many years before having to be replaced. However, you should know there are different grades of asphalt shingles. Higher grades are thicker, so they're more durable. The grades of asphalt shingles vary when it comes to cost, appearance, durability, and longevity, so you have to balance cost against the quality of the shingles you chose.

4. Solar Shingles

Solar shingles are an option to think about if you want to switch to solar power, but you dislike the appearance of panels on your roof. These resemble asphalt or metal shingles, so they can be mixed if you only want solar shingles on one part of your roof. You'll need to talk to a solar professional as well as your roofer to determine if your roof is a good match for solar shingles. If so, your roof could produce energy for your home without ruining the look of your home with bulky panels.